The Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier teamed up with Japan's biggest warship for an exercise in the South China Sea

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Akebono, top, alongside US Navy forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan during a cooperative deployment.

• The USS Ronald Reagan, the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, drilled with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces in the South China Sea this week.
• The drills focused on addressing common security issues in the contested region and on improving interoperability between the two forces.
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SOUTH CHINA SEA (June 11, 2019) - The Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) participated in a cooperative deployment with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships JS Izumo (DH-183), JS Murasame (DD-101) and JS Akebono (DD-108) June 10-12.

Reagan, Akebono, Izumo and Murasame conducted communication checks, tactical maneuvering drills and liaison officer exchanges designed to address common maritime security priorities and enhance interoperability at sea.

"Having a Japanese liaison officer aboard to coordinate our underway operations has been beneficial and efficient," said Lt. Mike Malakowsky, a tactical actions officer aboard Ronald Reagan.

"As we continue to operate together with the JMSDF, it makes us a cohesive unit. They are an integral part of our Strike Group that doubles our capability to respond to any situation."